Basil Newby is one of the most influential figures in Blackpool’s modern entertainment history, and in 2025 he marked the end of a remarkable chapter by putting his world-famous show venue, Funny Girls, up for sale after more than three decades at the heart of the resort’s nightlife. Born in Blackpool in 1951, Newby began his career in entertainment entrepreneurship at a time when the town’s nightlife scene was expanding and diversifying. In 1979 he purchased The Flamingo nightclub on Talbot Road, establishing what became Blackpool’s first dedicated venue for LGBTQ+ nightlife. Over the years he built his name and reputation as a promoter and operator of live entertainment, contributing to the town becoming a vibrant destination for visitors seeking more than just seaside amusements.
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In 2014, Newby was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Prince Charles in recognition of his services to business and the LGBT community. Best known as the founder of the iconic Funny Girls venue, Newby was honoured for his significant contribution to Blackpool’s tourism, nightlife and economy, as well as his role in promoting inclusion and support for the town’s LGBT community.
Basil Newby is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, central London. 21 March 2014. Photographed by Jonathan Brady.
Basil Newby is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, central London. 21 March 2014. Photographed by Jonathan Brady.
In 1994 Newby launched Funny Girls, a cabaret and performance venue that blended drag performance, comedy, dance and high-energy live shows. The concept quickly became a must-see attraction, drawing audiences from across the UK and establishing a loyal following. In 2002 Funny Girls relocated to the former Odeon Cinema on Dickson Road, occupying one of Britain’s grandest Art Deco cinema buildings. The move not only provided a stunning home for the show but also helped raise its profile nationally, turning Blackpool into a key stop on the UK cabaret and live entertainment circuit. Funny Girls became instantly recognisable for its bold aesthetic, polished production values and rotating cast of performers. It hosted celebrity guests, appeared on television and even featured acts at prestigious showcases such as the Royal Variety Performance. Locally, the venue became synonymous with Blackpool’s nightlife and was affectionately celebrated by residents and visitors alike.
Over the years Newby’s contribution to Blackpool’s cultural and social life was recognised at the national level, including an MBE for services to entertainment and the LGBTQ+ community. His influence extended beyond business success; he helped shape a more inclusive, diverse and dynamic entertainment profile for the town. In 2025, approaching his mid-70s, Newby announced he was stepping back from day-to-day ownership and placing Funny Girls on the market. He cited the desire to spend more time with family, support relatives facing health challenges and simply enjoy retirement after decades of building and leading major entertainment ventures. While the venue continued operating throughout the sales process, the announcement was widely seen as signalling the end of a significant era for Blackpool’s live entertainment scene.
“To many people, Blackpool was jokingly known as ‘Basilpool’,” one longtime admirer remarked, a playful tribute to the way Newby’s personality and flair became intertwined with the town’s nightlife identity. The sale marked a shift for the resort, but also highlighted the lasting cultural impact of one man’s vision — a vision that transformed cabaret into a celebration of performance, inclusivity and seaside spectacle.
Although ownership of Funny Girls has now passed to a new company, Newby’s legacy remains firmly embedded in Blackpool’s entertainment heritage. Through The Flamingo, Funny Girls and his wider contributions, he helped ensure that Blackpool’s stage lights continued to shine brightly, drawing audiences eager for bold, boundary-pushing live experiences.
Basil Newby owner of the ‘Funny Girls’ theatre, Blackpool. Photo taken on 30 July 2007.
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